Meatballs in aromatic sauce

Meatballs in aromatic sauce - a delicious and comforting recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I will share with you a recipe inspired by a funny incident: I initially prepared meatballs for a soup, but my plans changed. So, I decided to transform the meatballs into a delightful dish of meatballs in aromatic sauce! I assure you that the result was simply delicious. Let's see how we can together achieve this savory dish.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for meatballs:
- 350 g minced meat (pork, beef, chicken - the choice is yours!)
- 1 handful of rice (about 50 g)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 handful of breadcrumbs (about 50 g)
- 2 eggs

Ingredients for sauce:
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 small onion
- ½ bell pepper (any color)
- Salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and fresh basil (to taste)
- A bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream (optional, but recommended for creaminess)

Preparing the meatballs:
1. Start by preparing the rice. Boil the rice in salted water according to the package instructions, then let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, the cooked and cooled rice, breadcrumbs, and the 2 eggs. Add the 3 finely chopped cloves of garlic. Mix the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.
3. Shape medium-sized meatballs, being careful not to make them too large so they cook evenly.

Preparing the sauce:
1. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the sliced bell pepper and sauté it together with the onion for a few minutes until it becomes soft.
3. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and add them to the pan. Mix well and let simmer for a few minutes.
4. Incorporate the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and add a cup of water. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme to taste.
5. Once the sauce starts to boil, carefully add the formed meatballs. Cook them on low heat for about 25-30 minutes, covering the pan with a lid.
6. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the remaining finely chopped garlic and, if desired, a tablespoon of sour cream for extra creaminess.
7. Dissolve the cornstarch in cold water and add it to the sauce to thicken it. Mix well and let boil for another 2-3 minutes.

Serving:
1. Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce has a pleasant consistency, turn off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color.
2. Serve the meatballs hot, accompanied by polenta, mashed potatoes, or a side of rice, all excellent options to absorb the delicious sauce.

Useful tips:
- If you want to make healthier meatballs, you can use chicken or turkey meat, and for a more intense flavor, add spices like smoked paprika or chili.
- Experiment with different fresh or dried herbs in the sauce to customize the flavor according to your preferences.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy a quick lunch or dinner in the following days!

Nutritional information:
This meatballs in aromatic sauce recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving, being a good source of protein and nutrients, thanks to the meat, vegetables, and spices used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fish meat for the meatballs?
- Yes, fish meat can be used, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I make the sauce vegetarian?
- Omit the meat and use a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms, instead of meatballs.

3. What wine can I serve with this dish?
- A light red wine or a dry white wine are excellent options to accompany the rich flavor of the sauce.

These meatballs in aromatic sauce are truly a delicious and comforting choice. Whether you prepare them for a family meal or a gathering with friends, they are sure to impress! So get your cooking skills to work and enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For meatballs: 350 g minced meat, a handful of rice, 3 cloves of garlic, a handful of breadcrumbs, 2 eggs. For sauce: 2 fresh tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 cloves of garlic, olive oil, a small onion, half a bell pepper, salt, pepper, oregano, fresh thyme, and fresh basil, fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.

 Tags:  meatballs